The Only Exception

53.

HOLY MOTHER OF BUTTER! So sorry for the late update! As you already know, I'm turning my Pearlshipping AU [TATBILB] into a comic! It will be posted on my tumblr and webtoon!

I am also on twitch! :D I'll be streaming games and art there! You can watch me work on the pearlshipping comic and I'll be happy to answer any questions :D

This chapter is rated... T for Serena's imagination and Ash and Dawn's... convo... LOL

Anyways, enjoy!

After shopping for everything they needed for their journey, they all met up at the Pokemon center and greeted their Pokemon. Clemont and Bonnie went to go prepare food for them while Ash did some final training with his Pokemon for their gym battle tomorrow. Dawn and Serena watched him from the side as they exchanged stories with one another.

"I'd love to try Ryhorn racing one day!" Dawn smiled.

"I'd be happy to teach you." Serena told her as she continued to pet Fennekin who was in her lap.

Dawn smiled at the little fox Pokemon. "Fennekin sure likes staying clean, huh?"

Serena nodded her head, "yup, just like me." Serena chuckled as she continued to pet Fennekin.

"Hey, I know! For the next Pokechic, how would you and Fennekin feel about being featured in my article?"

Serena's eyes widened in surprise as she looked over at the coordinator. She furrowed her brows then looked away.

"I'm sorry... I-"

"No, it's... it's not you, Dawn. It's just... How could you be so nice to me after all the horrible things I did? I really don't understand."

"Hey, don't worry about that anymore, okay? We've moved past that and besides, we're friends, aren't we?" Dawn smiled as she placed a hand on her shoulder.

Serena sniffled a bit. "Would you really want to interview someone like me for your next article?"

"Of course. You have an eye for fashion, too, Serena. You'd be perfect for my next article in Pokechic."

Serena smiled at her, "Dawn, I- T-Thank you. I would be honored to be featured in your article."

Dawn smiled at her, "You're welcome and thank you. It'll be fun interviewing you!"

They both noticed Ash walking up to them with a curious look on his face as he wiped away the sweat from his forehead. "What are you guys talking about?" He asked them.

"Just girl stuff." Dawn winked as she tossed him a water bottle.

"Oh, boy, would you look at the time! It's almost lunch and right after is my gym battle. Better go check on Clemont and Bonnie, bye!" Ash chuckled nervously as he ran inside the Pokemon center. Dawn and Serena blinked at his retreating form in confusion and looked at each other as they let out small laughs.

"Boys." They both said in unison as they got up from the bench and walked inside the Pokemon center.

•••

The group all ate their lunches and thanked Clemont and Bonnie for the delicious meal.

"Man, after that meal, I'm definitely ready for my gym battle against Valerie!" Ash smiled.

"That's great. Dawn and I will definitely be cheering you on. So make sure you win, okay?" Serena winked at him.

Ash looked at her in surprise as he let out a small smile. "Yeah, definitely!"